First, I would like to give an update on the ransomware attack. I would now like to ask Craig to provide a more detailed financial perspective on the quarter. We remain focused on our long term strategy which includes generating sustainable and profitable growth and increasing overall shareholder value. Looking forward to fiscal 2024, we have a lot of excitement on the horizon, including the launch of our modernized digital platform and the opening of our new flagship store at the Well in Toronto. Like the broader retail market, Indigo continued to feel the impacts of the macroeconomic environment on consumer behavior and costs, which compounded the headwinds from the ransomware attack. We were excited to commemorate this important milestone. Through a national marketing campaign we celebrated iconic Canadian authors and culture shapers, highlighting how they live their lives with intention. This past fall, we celebrated Indigo's 25th birthday with the launch of our new brand platform life on purpose, (ph).
Books are the heartbeat of our organization and continue to be the central inspiration for all other products we offer. However, the Print business remained above pre pandemic levels. Sales declined 4% compared to the prior year. The print business was more adversely affected by the ransomware attack in the fourth quarter, which limited the company's ability to replenish inventory of certain titles. Baby and wellness specifically were two categories in which the company focused on curating assortment, and we are thrilled to see how these categories have resonated with our customers. The general merchandise business delivered strong results this year, growing by 6%, fueled by double digit increases in the paper, baby and wellness categories. I believe we have come out of this incident stronger together. We learned that anyone can be vulnerable to attacks of this nature and in the face of this extraordinary challenge, we did not waiver. Through all of this, Indigo customers continue to show their loyalty to our brand. This recovery is a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication to our company. They have gracefully managed a turbulent environment and have worked tirelessly to operationally recover after the ransomware attack. This was possible, thanks to our hardworking Indigo teams. Indigo's fiscal 2023 financial results delivered strong top line performance with another year of over $1 billion in annual revenue, admits a continuously challenging economic climate and faced with a ransomware attack, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver exceptional value to our customers. Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us. I would now like to turn the call over to our Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ruis.
This conference call may contain forward-looking statements and to the extent that it does, we refer you to our cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements in the press release and the MD&A related to this fiscal year. A playback of the call will also be available by telephone until July 5. The conference call will be recorded and archived in the Investor Relations section of the Indigo website. It can be found at indigo.ca and on SEDAR. Regarding the materials for this conference call, we issued the press release yesterday. My name is Craig Louden and I'm the Chief Financial Officer of Indigo. Good morning, and thank you for joining us to review Indigo's fiscal 2023 results. I now have the pleasure of handing you over to your host, Craig Loudon, CFO. Remember that this call is being recorded. Following the presentation we will conduct a question-and-answer session. At this time, all lines are in a listen only mode.
Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining the Indigo Books & Music Fiscal Year 2023 Year End Analyst Call. ( OTCPK:IDGBF) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript J10:00 AM ET We offer a variety of exciting opportunities at our retail stores, distribution centres, and home office for people who share our passions and want to be part of a dynamic and enriching culture.Indigo Books & Music Inc. Dedicated to telling stories and creating experiences, Indigo is always looking for bright, energetic and customer-focused people who can help bring our exciting mission to life in one of our more than 200 Indigo, Indigospirit, Chapters and Coles stores across Canada.
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